| Item: | Ringmaster Tumor |
| Type: | Cancer |
| Living: | Yes |
| Sapient: | Formerly confirmed; currently speculated |
| Potential/Current Hazards: | Tumor outcrops can infect both personnel and civilians. Further mutations must be monitored. |
| Required Wear/Weaponry: | Standard biohazard gear should be worn when interacting with tumor outcrops. No gear is required when interacting with the Item or affected civilians. |
| Location: | Facility: Three-Ring |
Usage
Mecklenburg county and the surrounding areas are to be monitored for tumor outcrops. Local veterinarians and radiologists are to be supplied by Facility: Three-Ring to keep public outcry at a minimum, and to track possible outcrop exposure.
Once an outcrop has been identified, a harvest team will collect the exposure filaments and excise the tumor using procedure 7. If filaments persist, the area is to be razed and restructured under procedure 13, with the guise of local infrastructure. Once the filaments are in Insurgent hands, they can be refined into two different forms.
Filament type A are repurposed for use in spreading insurgent ideals. When applied via prick to target (possible through both close contact and mid range darts), a growth will form in the hippocampus over a week. Afterwards targets hold ideals and training similar to that of the average CI field agent. Results vary however, and additional training and screenings should be provided to affected recruits. After 12 to 26 months the tumor will spontaneously overtake the brain. Rendering the host in a vegetative state. Used best for quick recruitment of field specialists.
Type B are refined into an injection pen. When used on a living organism capable of cognitive function, rapid cellular growth occurs. Tumors are visible in seconds, and expand exponentially. The larger the target, the larger the growths. This filament is manufactured with the intent of providing quick cover on the battlefield. However it has also to been shown as an effective way to brick knowledge from anomalous retrieval, and certain resurrection techniques used by rival GOI.
Report
Ringmaster Tumor is the former CI Facility director Maxwell 'Mirage' Ross; and his ever spreading tumor. The item is confined to Facility: Three-Ring, and forms root like appendages outward into the surrounding environment. Roots can stretch for several kilometers before surfacing; where it will form flora-esque clusters called tumor outcrops. Outcrops are 5 to 7cm in height, tan in coloration, with black filaments sprouting outward.
Fauna that interact with outcrop filaments undergo a series of changes. Namely visible tumor growth, a change in mentality, and after three days time, death. Sapient beings also experience reoccurring dreams and the recollection of memories that are not theirs. Further analysis revealed that raw filament infection may partially imprint the mind of Maxwell Ross on the host. Early infections, before Maxwell was catatonic, could be manipulated to a degree through Ross. Although this is no longer possible as of march 20081.
Maxwell Ross was a former con-man and the owner of a small traveling circus before negative interactions with 'Herman Fuller's Circus of the Disquieting' led Maxwell to the Insurgency. Where he quickly gained loyalty among recruits with both charisma and action. Maxwell worked as a field agent for 12 years before being assigned director of Facility: Sleeper-07 (Later renamed Facility: Three-Ring).
In February 2006, Ross reported migraines and mild hallucinations. Medical examination revealed Maxwell had a Glioblastomas2, with a high chance of fatality. Several anomalous methods were attempted to excise the tumor. All of which failed despite some methods having a 100% success rate. Ross stepped down as director but stayed with the insurgency.
Two months after the initial tumor was noticed, visible growths began to form on the head and hands3. Over a period from 2006 to 2009, growths continue to grow, inhibiting movement, speech, and cognitive function. Using Item ████████, rudimentary speech was achieved and communication was possible via text logs. All of which are documented in Appendix B. It is unknown if the anomaly first sprang from the cancer, Maxwell himself, or any of the several anomalous methods used as possible treatment. As of October 2009, Maxwell Ross was declared catatonic.
Appendix A:
This appendix exists to give emphasis on the procedure 13 long term development project. In the 2010 sample, it was unknown that filaments may persist. And all were cleared per procedure 7. Those highlighted in green later resprouted and had to be restructured as per procedure 13, allowing for continuous harvesting. Red markings in this sample show tumor outcrops that have not resprouted.
In the 2020 sample, blue markings show successful procedure 13 farms; and red markings show successful procedure 7 removals. Of note, the red markings in this sample that remain close to the red markings of the 2010 sample, are not the same. They are differing sprouts, thought to originate off of similar roots.
Appendix B:
The following communication logs are recorded using the Item ████████. On formatting, it is important to note that Inquiries can only occur when the safety period has transpired. Current communications exist at 3 seconds a word. A gap of 1 minute was used to determine the statement was concluded, and to post the next question.
CI- This is Base S7, testing communication lines. Are you in sane mind?
M.R.- I am aware. {Stand}, I see. Not vision, or sense. Memory or flashback. Neither, I believe, real. Existing in {stream between dreams}. Flickering moment, safer space. Possible to {walking}, feet never lift. I think. Long, and arduous.
CI- Is the trapezist present? (Inquiry on possible compromission)
M.R.- No. Exist alone on {river bank}. Unsure, what else peers. Take discretion.
CI- You mention a river. Elaborate.
M.R.- Unfamiliar. Not from life. {Observing} shows {mountains}. Tower above, cage and {backdrop}. Exist at {basin}, eroded down. Water rushes. May not exist. Fog, as {Memory}, as {Mind}. Looks cold.
CI- Is there any insight into your anomalous condition.
M.R.- Unsure. Likely connected. No developments. Will explore, report as {Expand}. For present, must, {sleep}.
In conclusion, Ross appears sane but compromised. Further monitoring required, as several failed attempts to communicate with ross were made the next day.
